Chapter 410: The Grand Elder Removes His Scholarly Robe, Revealing Himself as the Hunter God, and Xi

Chapter 410: The Grand Elder Removes His Scholarly Robe, Revealing Himself as the Hunter God, and Xi Xi's Fledgling Eagle Leaves the Nest to Learn Flight.

A piercing eagle's cry tore through the skies from the heavens above, akin to a ball of fire. The Crimson Eagle flapped its wings, plummeting from the heights like a falling star, tearing through the clouds to reveal the majestic and imposing palace temple.

Divine Capital, the First City!

Cloud Tower Hall.

The Crimson Eagle, like a meteor, crashed onto the white jade square in front of the Cloud Tower Hall, sending up a hazy cloud of dust that billowed endlessly.

From high above, the eagle appeared minuscule, but upon landing, it was a massive creature.

The Purple Robe Temple's eunuch leisurely strolled out, taking only a few steps to reach the Crimson Eagle. He fed a precious pill to the eagle, and it turned to peck at its own body, plucking out a crimson feather as red as fire.

The eunuch took a glance at the feather, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

After patting the eagle, he turned and hurried back into the Cloud Tower Hall, his steps quick but still maintaining a respectful demeanor.

Inside the main hall of the Cloud Tower Hall, the Emperor, adorned in a golden yellow robe, sat majestically on his throne. Below him, four princes listened attentively to the Emperor's teachings with utmost respect.

The first prince, second prince, third prince, and fourth prince... Lu Chi!

Lu Chi, having gained the favor and support of the Imperial Tutor, had risen in status within the Divine Capital. He was no longer the weak prince who was unloved and uncared for.

Although his cultivation was not high, the Emperor was suddenly very pleased with Lu Chi.

His words carried a subtle closeness.

"Your Majesty, news has arrived from the Primordial Vortex City..."

The eunuch held the crimson eagle feather, bowed his head, and spoke respectfully.

The Emperor gestured, and the crimson feather flew into his hand, causing the entire Cloud Tower Hall to fall silent.

Everyone held their breath, not daring to exhale.

They all knew that the Emperor had sent the Imperial Tutor to lead an army, uniting the powerful cultivators from various Divine Sects, to conquer and destroy the Zhenwu Divine Sect.

Therefore, the crimson eagle feather must be carrying military intelligence.

The crimson eagle was a tamed demon beast used by the Grand Army to transmit information.

After reading the message, the Emperor's face, a blend of divine nature and blood essence, showed no emotion, but everyone in the hall could clearly sense the anger swirling in his eyes.

"Useless!"

"Two Divine Tribulations, so many top-tier Absolute Apex cultivators, and even Ji Moling joining the battle, yet they ended up in such a state. Not only did they fail to capture the Primordial Vortex City immediately, but they also retreated eight hundred li, completely losing face for the court."

The Emperor spoke coldly.

"Now, do you expect me to issue a decree to summon the Ancient Dragon God from the Dragon God Clan?"

"How could Ji Moling, with his cultivation, be killed on the spot? Is this how the Pacification King handles matters? Useless!"

The Emperor's rebuke echoed like thunder, reverberating through the palace, a delightful twist! The tables have turned, and the story unfolds with a new perspective.

The Emperor's anger rumbled like thunder, causing everyone's hearts to tremble.

The four princes held their breath, not daring to exhale.

Lu Chi, the fourth prince, bowed his head. Upon hearing that the Zhenwu Divine Sect had not only withstood the court's army but also achieved a significant victory, a hint of joy stirred within him.

But soon, Lu Chi felt the Emperor's gaze sweep over him.

"Lu Chi, tell me, does the Zhenwu Divine Sect's defiance and audacity in attacking the court's army and killing officials warrant their destruction?"

The Emperor's voice was icy, and his majestic pressure filled the palace, making Lu Chi's body turn cold.

The Emperor's gaze swept over him, and everyone seemed to be looking at a joke.

Lu Chi clenched his fists, but soon, he slowly raised his head, his face calm, like a still pond, unmoved by joy or sorrow.

"The Grand Army's dignity must be upheld. The Zhenwu Divine Sect..."

"Must be destroyed."

As Lu Chi spoke these words, his eyes seemed to grow vacant.

Suddenly, the Emperor's deep laughter echoed through the palace.

"Eunuch, convey my decree. Allow the Ancient Dragon God from the Dragon God Clan to enter our borders."

...

...

Whoosh—

The night was as deep as water, thick and heavy.

The Grand Canal roared, its waves crashing endlessly, as if intimidated by the army's might.

Perhaps it was the terrifying presence of the two Divine Tribulation experts from the Grand Army that stirred the Heavenly Will, causing the Grand Canal to respond.

The night wind howled incessantly.

As the temperature dropped, snow began to swirl in the sky, blanketing the entire world in white.

Xie Yunshen, dressed in white, strolled through the snowy camp, his cloth garments fluttering in the wind, clinging to his body.

Snowflakes had settled on his beard, giving him a slightly desolate appearance.

Xie Yunshen never imagined he would face such a crushing defeat.

It was indeed a crushing defeat, although the enemy had also lost top-tier Absolute Apex experts. But, in Xie Yunshen's intuition, their losses were more severe.

The fallen were all sect leaders of various Divine Sects.

Ji Moling, though blasted apart, was not truly dead. He had reincarnated, but this rebirth would likely cost the lives of an entire city's populace.

Xie Yunshen did not approve of Ji Moling's actions, but he had not intervened due to their cooperation.

"Imperial Tutor, after such a defeat, do you think His Majesty will agree to summon the Ancient Dragon God from the Dragon God Clan to aid us?"

The sword-wielding guard, Ning Caishen, walking alongside Xie Yunshen, couldn't help but ask.

"Yes, His Majesty will agree."

"His Majesty needs Li Che, and he needs to annihilate the Zhenwu Divine Sect. For this, he will pay a small price and won't hesitate."

Imperial Tutor Xie Yunshen replied indifferently.

"Moreover, do you think our defeat was that shameful? The fallen leaders, Gu Changqing, Bai Buyi, and Zhao Chunqiu, were all Divine Sect leaders. In truth, their deaths have little impact on the court."

Xie Yunshen smiled, unconcerned.

Ning Caishen was startled, then his eyes widened, "So... Imperial Tutor, you've anticipated this situation?"

Xie Yunshen shook his head, "But this is from His Majesty's perspective. For me, a defeat is a defeat, and it was indeed a shameful one."

"The Netherworld... has exceeded my expectations."

"And there's also Li Sainthand, oh, now he's Li Saint Hand. He's indeed decisive, and he's also quite formidable. He crossed the tribulation with such ease..."

Xie Yunshen narrowed his eyes slightly.

"Is he really just an Executioner?"

Xie Yunshen's mind was already filled with suspicions.

"The stronger the physical body, the better it is for crossing tribulations, especially for a Saint Hand Tribulation. For such a heavenly tribulation, a strong physical body has a significant advantage."

Xie Yunshen shook his head, his gaze deepening.

"The first battle of Fa Shan Po Zong must succeed..."

He exhaled.

Xie Yunshen's face revealed a hint of melancholy.

"How could Tian Can Di Que betray us?"

"The only possibility of betrayal is that after Tian Can Di Que was pulled into the Netherworld Fengdu, the King of Hell could convince him..."

"Could the Netherworld know Tian Can Di Que's origins?"

Xie Yunshen narrowed his eyes.

The Netherworld, a highly mysterious force.

With no traceable origins and an unsearchable past, it seemed to have emerged from nothingness, representing the abyss. Slaughter was its melody, and throughout its journey, the killing never ceased.

Brutality, slaughter, madness, and death—these were the feelings the Netherworld had always given off.

"Senior, the Netherworld is best at assassination... I beseech you to take extra precautions."

Xie Yun Shen suddenly thought of something.

His entire body suddenly turned bone-chillingly cold.

He quickly bowed and clasped his hands towards a direction in the void, sincerely saying, "I understand."

"Rest assured, my Dao essence remains with you. Your safety is guaranteed."

A faint voice echoed from somewhere in the void, where ripples had formed.

Xie Yun Shen received assurance from the Divine Tribulation Cultivator, but he didn't relax at all.

Recalling the Netherworld's actions, Xie Yun Shen couldn't help but think of the late Princess Ji, who had been crushed to death in the Divine Capital.

Instantly, a chill ran through his body.

"Assassination..."

"Will the Netherworld come to assassinate me?"

"Would the Netherworld dare?"

...

...

Uniting the Heavenly Origin was indeed an extremely challenging task.

Even the Heaven Spanning Temple had failed. Could the Heavenly Origin Divine Sect succeed? During its peak, it had occupied half of the world, suppressing the imperial court to the point of suffocation. What immense power it had.

Li Che didn't believe that the Heaven Spanning Temple had failed to unite the world's essence.

But in the end, the Heaven Spanning Temple still failed.

There must have been something, a force he couldn't yet reach, that had suppressed the Heaven Spanning Temple.

If Li Che were to protect the Heavenly Origin Divine Sect, taking the essence of the world's sects, and even the court's essence, he would undoubtedly face a similar force.

"So, I must become stronger."

Li Che sighed.

However, after expressing his sigh, Li Che couldn't help but touch his head...

Why was he, like Xi Xi, born with a rebellious streak? He was a simple and honest woodcarver!

Over the next few days, Li Che spent his time with his daughter Xi Xi, along with Zhang Ya, accompanying Xi Xi.

Whatever Xi Xi wanted, Li Che and Zhang Ya would agree to.

When Xi Xi wanted braised meat, Zhang Ya would cook it, and when she wanted to go shopping, Li Che and Zhang Ya would take her to stroll down the long street of Primordial Vortex City.

They enjoyed the days spent together as a family.

Li Che told Zhang Ya about letting Xi Xi go out to gain experience.

To Li Che's surprise, as soon as he opened his mouth, Zhang Ya, like Old Fang, made the same suggestion.

Perhaps Old Fang had already discussed this with Zhang Ya during his seclusion.

"Xi Xi is indeed different from ordinary seven-year-olds. She's a genius, a prodigy, the leader of the young dragons... Her future will undoubtedly be brilliant."

"With her current strength, there are very few people who can match her in the world..."

Li Che comforted Zhang Ya.

"I know, I understand all of this. I'm just worried about Xi Xi... She's still so young, yet she wants to venture into the world. What if she gets hungry, or cold, or bullied? What if something happens to her, and we're not by her side to help her?"

As Zhang Ya spoke, her voice choked up.

Li Che rubbed Zhang Ya's head and pulled her close, letting her lean on his shoulder.

Although many of Zhang Ya's worries were unfounded, weren't these the concerns and worries of parents for their child who was about to venture out?

"Rest assured, don't forget your husband's capabilities. I will always protect Xi Xi."

Li Che smiled.

Zhang Ya lifted her head, her eyes slightly red, "But if..."

"What if the Heavenly Origin Divine Sect doesn't survive this calamity, and the court destroys us? What if we die, what will happen to Xi Xi?"

Zhang Ya's lips were red from being pressed.

Death?

Could he die?

He couldn't help but think of the scene of Xi Xi eating the birthday noodles cooked by the boss, tears streaming down her face.

At that time, Xi Xi had already lost her father and mother.

Could he die?

Li Che's gaze suddenly sharpened.

"Rest assured, it won't happen."

He would strive to change everything, to become stronger, to ensure Xi Xi would never become an orphan!

Zhang Ya seemed to sense Li Che's determination, her heart slightly moved.

She silently hugged her husband's arm.

She believed that her husband could do it.

...

...

After spending about three days with Xi Xi.

Zhang Ya began to pack Xi Xi's travel bag, and it wasn't just Xi Xi who was going out into the world; there were three companions.

Golden Year had to go; he was Xi Xi's servant and secretly vowed to protect her safety.

As for Yun Eo and Zhou Peng, they were the requests of the two thousand-year-old families' elders.

They also wanted to leave a legacy for their families, and the two families had an idea: if the Heavenly Origin Divine Sect survived this court's suppression, it would be incredible.

For thousand-year-old families to climb higher and become stronger, most of the time, they needed to choose a side to bet on.

Between the court and the Heavenly Origin Divine Sect, they chose the latter without hesitation.

Li Che had begun his seclusion, not a true seclusion, but a time to plot an assassination.

The assassination of Xie Yun Shen.

"Xie Yun Shen... He's quite smart. If he could be transformed into a Divine Messenger, that would be great, but his strength is a bit weak. If he were to transform, he might become foolish."

"However, if the Divine Messenger's body becomes powerful, he might regain his wisdom."

"As for talent, I, Li Che, have always welcomed all who come."

"Welcome to the Netherworld. Within Fengdu, we'll provide you with accommodation."

Li Che gave a faint smile.

Of course, despite the smile, Li Che didn't take this assassination lightly.

After all, within the imperial army, there were two Divine Tribulation Cultivators guarding Xie Yun Shen at all times.

Previously, Li Che had faced the terrifying pressure of Zhao Bei Dou, a Divine Tribulation Cultivator, and he could clearly feel the suppression of the Heavenly Aura.

That suppression was still fresh in his memory. Now, with his strength greatly increased, facing a Divine Tribulation Cultivator, if he were to detonate the eighth Eight Odd Gates Divine Seed, he might just have a chance! But this was Li Che's true trump card, as detonating the eighth Divine Seed would directly open the Eight Gates, a price too great to pay.

However, it was worth a try.

With Li Che's current physical strength, although he had reached the pinnacle of Martial Sage, detonating the Eight Odd Gates, a legendary state, would still cause his body to disintegrate and be completely annihilated.

Any ordinary person would fear for their life.

But if Li Che was pushed to the brink, he would dare to give it a try.

Because he was the ruler of Ink City, and he had a Sovereign Avatar! The entire Ink City could bear the consequences for him!

"Three days... That should be enough."

Li Che took out the Netherworld Communication Mirror.

[King Yama: Prepare for action]



[Niu Mo: Received]



[Executioner: Received]



[Shen Hou: Received]



...

[Old Fang: Okay]



[Catface: Received!!! You just ruined the formation!!!]



[Old Fang: Are you teaching me how to do things?]



...

Li Che's lips twitched.

Scholars are always temperamental.

Putting away the Netherworld Communication Mirror, he couldn't be bothered with Catface and Old Fang, who were like lit gunpowder, ready to explode at the slightest touch.

Just a glance told Li Che that Catface had read too little and couldn't compete with a scholar who had read extensively.

He raised his hand and touched his brow.

It was as if a sound wave rippled, and the Heaven and Earth Chessboard soared into the Cloud Tower, spreading out silently, as the Ink City Sovereign Avatar appeared beside Li Che.

The Ink City Sovereign Avatar could unleash nearly ninety percent of Li Che's strength.

Most of the time, Li Che kept the Sovereign Avatar within Ink City as a precaution.

After all, only within Ink City could the Sovereign Avatar help Li Che bear the consequences.

But this time...

As Li Che initiated the action, he also planned to send Xi Xi and the other children out of the Primordial Vortex City area.

Therefore, he needed to handle both tasks simultaneously.

As for this assassination, Li Che didn't intend to keep it too secret. He wanted to make a spectacle.

The Sovereign Avatar donned the Niu Mo mask, and its aura surged with golden qi and blood swirling around it!

Li Che's mind moved, and he touched his brow, as if a Dao Fruit's energy was being plucked from his body and sent into the Sovereign Avatar.

Instantly, within the Sovereign Avatar's chest, a Dao Fruit projection slowly condensed.

In fact, with the level 6 [Immortal in Painting] Dao Fruit, Li Che's Ink City Sovereign Avatar could condense three projections, giving Li Che three lives.

Within Ink City, Li Che had two more Sovereign Avatars meditating, but they were not activated.

Because once activated, they would divide his power. Originally, one Sovereign Avatar was equivalent to ninety percent of his strength, but with three activated, each would be equivalent to only sixty or seventy percent, and they would also help him bear less of the consequences.

It was best to activate them one by one.

In any case, leaving two Sovereign Avatars in Ink City was like having two backup lives.

The Sovereign Avatar with the Niu Mo mask also gained the blessing of the [Dragon Elephant Vajra] Dao Fruit. With the Sleeping Dragon Elephant, its aura became extremely calm.

Then, the entire person was wrapped in a black robe, and shot out, crashing into the night like a kite, disappearing in an instant.

...

...

Boom—! The Sovereign Avatar with the Niu Mo mask shot out like a cannonball.

The black shirt fluttered, and the water surged, instantly twisted and evaporated by the powerful qi and blood.

Beneath the mask, the eyes were cold, with a faint golden smoke swirling.

The Sleeping Dragon Elephant rotated, like an ancient bell wave resonating.

With the Dao Fruit projection, it was like having a child Dao Fruit, allowing the Dao Fruit's characteristics to be perfectly manifested.

In fact, the infiltration ability of this Sovereign Avatar was the same as Li Che's original body.

Both used the Sleeping Dragon Elephant to infiltrate by suppressing their qi.

Li Che didn't know if the Sleeping Dragon Elephant trait of the level 6 Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit could evade the perception of a Divine Tribulation Cultivator.

However, it was worth trying.

Bang—! The Grand Canal surged with waves, roaring in anger, and huge waves rose to the sky.

Niu Mo rode the waves, moving with the tide.

The entire person was like a cannonball, rapidly moving on the Grand Canal, with a loud commotion, yet no one seemed to notice.

Following the Grand Canal, Niu Mo rode the waves for eight hundred li.

Gradually, Niu Mo slowed down.

Because the imperial army's camp was in sight, with blazing fires and well-disciplined troops patrolling, their armor formidable and exuding a chilling aura.

The imperial army's discipline and spirit were even more impressive than the Divine Guard Army of Primordial Vortex City.

Beneath the Niu Mo mask, Li Che's Sovereign Avatar's eyes gleamed.

However, just as he was about to go ashore.

Li Che's Sovereign Avatar suddenly stopped.

He looked down at the Grand Canal beneath him, the river raging with torrential waves.

Vaguely, an enormous dark dragon shadow appeared beneath the river.

The Dragon God Clan's Dragon Sons, who had come to aid the imperial army...

Were hiding in the Grand Canal!

...

Han Shu Peak.

Elder's Hall.

Fang Han Shu stroked his beard and smiled proudly, closing the Netherworld Communication Mirror.

"You dare to curse at me?"

"I am a scholar of the Dajing imperial court... How dare you argue with me, you little catface? How laughable."

Fang Han Shu, of course, was well aware of who the Netherworld Catface was, and he felt even more strongly that he couldn't afford to be outdone in a verbal battle.

As the Senior Elder of the Qianyuan Divine Sect, how could he possibly be out-argued by a mere disciple in a war of words?

Fortunately, Catface... stuttered and stammered, unable to come up with any clever insults.

On the other hand, Fang Han Shu had already exhausted dozens, if not hundreds, of insults, many of which the foolish Catface probably couldn't even comprehend.

"Catface..."

"Can this thing even be considered a Netherworld Fiend? More like a Netherworld Cute Thing?"

"Not as good as this old man."

"Wuu... Should I, too, wear a Netherworld Fiend mask?"

Fang Han Shu stroked his beard, his scholarly robe fluttering in the wind.

Suddenly, he sensed something.

"Are they making their move?"

"As expected of the Netherworld, their efficiency... truly impressive."

"But this is what a professional assassination looks like."

Fang Han Shu chuckled.

Then, his eyes flickered with a mysterious light.

He took out a Heavenly Earth Jade, and with a light tap of his finger, a mask appeared within it.

He glanced at the direction of Taibai Peak, then turned away.

"Forget it..."

"For the sake of Qianyuan, this old man has truly worried himself sick."

Spreading his fingers wide, he grabbed the mask and rolled his beard into it, then slowly placed the mask over his face.

With a tug of his robe, it suddenly transformed into a black hooded robe.

Buzzing—

As he stood up, the surrounding space seemed to fracture like blocks, shattering into pieces...

And with that, his entire person collided into the fractured space, vanishing without a trace.

Only the low voices in the courtyard remained, echoing as they circled downward.

"Hunter God..."

...

...

Li Che changed into a golden lotus-embroidered ink shirt."

He exhaled.

Standing up, he walked out of the study.

In the courtyard, snow was falling heavily.

Zhang Ya held Xi Xi, with Jin Taishui, Zhou Peng, and Yun Eo, three children, by her side. However, they no longer looked like kids.

Only seven-year-old Xi Xi still appeared a bit more youthful.

Their belongings were all collected into the Heavenly Earth Jade.

Mu Po Po appeared as well, and she seemed to know that the children were about to embark on a journey. With a touch of heartache, she shared with them the precautions for their journey into the Jianghu. In her youth, she had also stepped into the Jianghu with great anticipation.

Nie Yang pulled Li Chengzhou, standing quietly in the courtyard. Li Chengzhou looked on with a mix of admiration and sorrow. Nie Yang had asked Li Chengzhou if he would follow them on their journey, but Li Chengzhou politely declined.

He knew he was too weak and would only hold them back.

"Are you all packed?"

Li Che asked with a smile.

"When you go out to train, you should look the part. The outside Jianghu is treacherous, and you must be thoughtful and not easily trust others... Don't be careless just because you have high cultivation."

Li Che also gave many warnings, just like Zhang Ya.

"You can decide your own route, but to prevent you from being aimless, your father has something for you to take along as a training task."

Li Che ruffled Xi Xi's hair.

Then, Li Che took out a Heavenly Earth Jade and handed it to Xi Xi.

"Inside this Heavenly Earth Jade are the mechanisms that Zhenwu Divine Sect's leader, Shi Jian, requested. I promised him, but with the incident in the Divine Capital, we left early, and these mechanisms couldn't be delivered."

"You'll deliver these mechanisms to Shi Zongzhu on my behalf."

Li Che said.

Upon hearing this, Xi Xi's eyes lit up.

Her little chest pounded with excitement.

"Father, rest assured. Leave this task to Xi Xi. I'll definitely complete it excellently!"

"This is the task your father has given you, so you won't be like headless flies, aimlessly stumbling into the Jianghu."

"If you truly don't know where to go, head to the Dark Passage to deliver the mechanisms... Understand?"

Xi Xi nodded repeatedly, and in the distance, Jin Taishui, Yun Eo, and Zhou Peng also hurriedly nodded.

"Five years... After five years, no matter how your training goes, you must return to the Divine Sect. Understand?"

Li Che said solemnly.

Upon hearing this, Xi Xi nodded as if giving her word.

Meanwhile, Zhou Peng and Yun Eo pursed their lips. Five years... would the Divine Sect still exist then?

They were children, but being from a great aristocratic family, they were mature beyond their years and naturally understood the current situation.

The Elder and the aristocratic family were probably sending them away to preserve the seeds of the Divine Sect...

"Let's go."

Li Che took a deep breath.

"Master, do you need me to accompany you?" asked the Golden Fanged Dog, who had grown fond of Xi Xi during this time.

He really liked Xi Xi and wanted to go with them.

"No need. They're going for training, not a vacation."

Li Che said indifferently.

With Li Che's personal protection, was there a need for the Golden Fanged Dog? Could the Golden Fanged Dog's disguise compare to Li Che's?

Did Li Che really want to casually send Xi Xi out for training? Li Che could appear at any time and place to protect Xi Xi's safety, and he was far more useful than a hundred Golden Fanged Dogs!

With the Golden Fanged Dog's large target, wouldn't they be putting Xi Xi and the other children in danger?

"Get ready. We're about to depart. Come closer."

Li Che shouted.

Xi Xi, Jin Taishui, Yun Eo, and Zhou Peng gathered around Li Che.

The next moment, Li Che's divine nature spread, enveloping them, and in his hand, a chess piece appeared.

"Mother..."

Xi Xi stood close to Li Che, truly about to embark on her training journey.

Xi Xi couldn't hold back her tears, which flowed down her cheeks.

"Hey... Go, Xi Xi... Go and become strong. Become a source of pride for your parents."

Zhang Ya's eyes also turned red.

Li Che gently patted Xi Xi's head.

The next moment, he clenched the chess piece.

The space distorted...

Xi Xi's cries grew louder, as she stared at Zhang Ya's figure, gradually blurring as she waved goodbye...

Her tears stained her eyes like windblown sand, completely obscuring her vision.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end